Initial Check Volunteer
What will you do?
complete an introduction to Citizens Advice and training for your role
talk to clients over the phone, face to face, or online to explore what problems they’ve come for help with and identify the right level of support for them
write a summary of the clients’ problems and what action you’ve taken
look out for problems’ that are common, or are unfair, and write a short report about the problem or a letter to an elected official like an MP, AM or local councillor
Some examples of what you could do:
find information online about applying for a benefit and show the client where they can access this for themselves
book an appointment for the client to see a debt adviser to discuss the money they owe to landlord and energy company
call the local mental health organisation to book an appointment for the client
What’s in it for you?
make a real difference to people’s lives by making sure that clients receive the right support for them
learn about a range of issues such as benefits, debt, employment and housing.
build on valuable skills such as communication, listening and questioning
increase your employability
work with a range of different people, independently and in a team.
have a positive impact in your community.
And we’ll reimburse expenses too.
If you're a law student and you train as a Citizens Advice adviser, you can get up to six months off your solicitor training contract!
What do you need to have?
You’ll need to:
be friendly and approachable
Be able to seek regular guidance on how to meet clients needs
Be willing to work within the limitations of your role
be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
have good listening skills
have excellent verbal and written communication skills
have good maths and IT skills
be able to understand information and explain it to others
be able to keep calm under pressure
be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
be willing to undertake training in your role
How much time do you need to give?
Ideally we ask for 6 hours per week, which can be over one day or spread over two days, for at least 6 months, but we can be flexible so come and talk to us.
Contact details
If you have any questions about this role and whether it is right for you, please call 01329 237 121 and ask to speak to our Service Manager, Kelly.
